This weekend GABS beer, cider and food fest hits Auckland, with over 100 craft brews to tempt the tastebuds and breweries from all over the world to chat to. Here’s a teaser of what you can expect from two of NZ’s top Wellington-based breweries, Tuatara and Black Dog.
 

No Hibernation For Tuatara

For Kapiti Coast Brewery, Tuatara, festival beers are where the real fun lies. Festival-goers want to see creativity and the brewers are eager to please. GABS 2018 will see several new brews on tap, plus some of Tuatara’s popular award-winning beers…

White Walker - White IPA

Witbier meets IPA. It's a blend of big bold US hops, and the lively spice of Belgian yeast. Expect tropical fruits and bubblegum aromas, (6% ABV).
 

Take the Pith - Grapefruit IPA

On top of the classic bitterness and aromatic fruit and pine flavours, big juicy sweet/tart characters are accentuated by a generous addition of succulent grapefruit, (6.2% ABV).
 

Black - Toasted Malt Stout

With kilned roasted malts and a combination of fruit and spice driven hops, the smooth flavours of coffee, chocolate and grapefruit are emphasised by a spell post brewing to sit and smoulder, (7% ABV).  
 

Black Dog Lets Loose

Another regular contributor to the Wellington scene is Black Dog Brewery. This year for GABS they’ve collaborated with other Capital artisans to create some full flavoured crafty brews. 
 

Kitsune – NZ IPA

Brewed in collaboration with gypsy brewer Lord Almighty, this NZ hopped IPA has a subdued malt character to showcase the orange and mandarin flavours of the Rakau, Nelson Sauvin and Pacifica hops. Crisp and clean in the finish with a lingering hop flavour, (7% ABV).
 

Bean Me Up – Imperial Mocha Stout

Brewed in collaboration with Havana Coffee Works and Wellington Chocolate Factory, this Imperial Stout brings together three Wellington favourites – beer, coffee and chocolate.  Smooth and creamy with a massive chocolate and coffee hit. This beer will benefit from being left to warm up slightly before drinking, (7.6% ABV).